Ask a local: Weymouth in 2012

What’s on in 2012 in Weymouth and its Olympic Waters

Nestled along the Jurassic Coast, lies a beautiful historic coastal town, which will play host to the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic sailing events this summer. With it’s beautiful sandy beach, sweeping Georgian architecture along the Esplanade and known for its warm climate and stunning scenery Weymouth remains a prime choice for a coastal getaway. Just under three hours train ride from the centre of London, Weymouth has some great offerings for the whole family to enjoy.

It all started with a king

Not only have Weymouth & Portland waters been voted as perfect conditions of the sailing events but is also well known to be fit for a king! King George III originally came to swim in the waters at Weymouth Bay for health reasons but enjoyed it so much he returned regularly and even purchased a house along the seafront to appreciate the area to its full extent. His presence established Weymouth as a seaside resort and it has been a popular holiday destination in the UK ever since!

Events in 2012

Apart from the Olympic sailing events, the harbour will be transformed this July with the return of Dorset Seafood Festival. The roads around the Old Harbour are closed to traffic for the weekend of the event to allow the erection of a Seafood Village where many different species of fish and shellfish are prepared and cooked in the open for festival visitors. Sponsored by Pommery champagne you can soak up this great atmosphere with demonstrations from celebrity chefs, fantastic seafood tents and much more.

You can’t beat a view

Weymouth will also see the much anticipated Sealife Tower in its final stages of development this month and will be open to the public in the Summer 2012. Over 53 metres high and covering a 360 degree panoramic view of the Jurassic Coast line you will get unrivalled views of the sailing events and the beautiful Dorset countryside. You can book priority tickets for the Tower here www.weymouth-tower.com

Need some activities?

Apart from activities at the nearby beach, you can enjoy walking or cycling along the scenic Rodwell Trail which follows the track bed of the old Weymouth to Portland Railway for two and a quarter miles between Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth at Westham Halt to just beyond Wyke Regis Halt at Ferry Bridge. The line closed to passengers on 2nd March 1952 and finally closed to Freight traffic on 5th April 1965. The trail is a very pleasant walk with access at several places along the line. The recently opened Newstead Road bridge has become a centrepiece of the Rodwell Trail and makes it easier for walkers and cyclists to use the route everyday.


Where to stay?

B+B Weymouth a privately owned boutique bed and breakfast offers our discerning guests 4 star accommodation in the heart of Weymouth. We have 23 bedrooms and one 3-bedroom self-contained apartment. The building is a Grade II listed Georgian terrace overlooking the beach and central to transport services. Centrally located it is in an ideal spot to walk to the beach and picturesque the working harbour nearby. If you fancy something different, have a look at the other options available here.

Great restaurants 

Alive with café’s, bars and local restaurants Weymouth Harbourside is a wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere after a day on the beach. Two new additions to our wealth of eateries includes a fun and stylish venue offering delicious pie, pizza and locally sourced cider & real ale which is proving very popular with the locals. The Stable only opened a few months ago but it is fast becoming a great place to eat, drink and enjoy time with friends and family.  For an innovative fine dining experience you can also enjoy recently refurbished Left Bank; overlooking the water front, this popular restaurant combines exquisite local seafood and great service to provide a relaxed and unpretentious dining experience.

We hope you enjoyed this article? Now all you need to do is pack your bucket and spade! We are looking forward to seeing you!